Law of the Genre
The interpretation of what makes up a genre is constantly shifting and this is especially true with trance music. With all the different electronic genres and the many sub-genres that branch off, trance can either get misidentified or completely overshadowed. Paul van Dyk, though, owns this genre and solidifies what trance music is. He’s done this again with his newest album The Politics of Dancing 3.
The album kicks off with “Heart Like an Ocean,” which is perfect for an introductory song. It slowly brings the listener in with strings and then begins to build up by adding layers on to form the beat. Add Tricia McTeague’s melodious voice and the track becomes completely hypnotic. “Heart Like an Ocean” sets itself up as a really solid trance piece and sets the album up the same.
Van Dyk skillfully transitions from “Heart Like an Ocean” into “Lights.” This second track builds up from the opener by sounding brighter and feeling like it’s moving at a faster pace. This is the theme for the first half of The Politics of Dancing 3, with each track continuing to build and sound brighter. “Lights” has more lyrics to it than the first track, and these almost speak directly to van Dyk about what his music does to the listener. “Just as I prepare to land/ It pulls me up again,” is exactly what this song accomplishes: any moment the listener feels like they are settling down, “Lights” pulls them back up into its rhythmic beat.
“Come With Me (We Are One)” is the halfway point and thus acts as the apex of the album. This track is the most rhythmic and movement-provoking track on the album and it will easily be a club favorite. After this track though, the album begins to make its way back down into the calmer, mesmeric realm of “Heart Like an Ocean,” almost like coming back from the journey van Dyk takes his listeners on.
Overall, The Politics of Dancing 3 is a reminder of what a powerhouse van Dyk is and why he has claim over so many titles. With one solid track coming after another, it’s evident that van Dyk is neither leaving nor slowing down anytime soon.
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